Pharmacycle collects PVC/PET and aluminium blister packs at more than 1,000 points and processes them at its Sydney facility by shredding and separating the layers. The aluminium becomes pucks used as a deoxidiser in steelmaking, not new foil; the plastic goes to Plastic Forests for fencing, garden edging and wheel stops. Both are downcycling, but better than landfill for a pack that has no other route.
It is a privately run, voluntary programme funded by pharmacies, sponsors and government. Free at collection points; a paid home satchel is available.
How to start: pharmacycle.com.au/